Environmental Services News

The Grand Prairie City Council voted and passed an update to the current Smoking Ordinance on Jan. 21, 2014, which now includes the following:

Bans all smoking in restaurants; even those with a bar inside.

Bans smoking in all public places. Public places are enclosed indoor areas where the public is permitted.

Bans smoking in healthcare facilities, all city facilities (with the exception of some park entertainment venues such as Lynn and Loyd Park and outdoor golf courses), and common areas in multi-family housing units such as apartment complexes.

Creates a 25-foot distance requirement from entrances of all public places.

Prohibits the sale, use, or possession of electronic smoking devices by those under 18.

Smoking is still allowed in the 12 grandfathered bars that have existed since 1985, at Lone Star Park, the bowling alley when junior leagues are not playing, in private businesses that do not have public access, in private places of employment, and in bingo halls.

The Public Health Advisory Committee held a public meeting in October 2013 for citizen input and conducted a web-based survey, which indicated that more than 85 percent of respondents were more likely to visit a non-smoking restaurant and overwhelming numbers supported smoking prohibitions.